Liquid supply device, liquid discharge device, and liquid discharge apparatus

ABSTRACT

A liquid supply device includes a liquid discharge head, a main tank, a first sub-tank, a second sub-tank, a first channel, a degassing device, and a second channel. The liquid discharge head is configured to discharge liquid. The main tank is configured to store liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head. The first sub-tank is configured to store gas and liquid and connected to the main tank and the liquid discharge head. The second sub-tank is configured to store gas and liquid and connected to the first sub-tank and the liquid discharge head. The first channel connects between the main tank and the first sub-tank. The degassing device is configured to degas liquid in the first channel. The second Channel connects between the second sub-tank and the first channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is based on and claims priority pursuant to 35U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2019-019869, filedon Feb. 6, 2019, 2019-019854, filed on Feb. 6, 2019, 2020-007587, filedon Jan. 21, 2020, and 2020-007661, filed on Jan. 21, 2020, in the JapanPatent Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a liquid supply device, aliquid discharge unit, and a liquid discharge apparatus.

Related Art

As an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, acopying machine, a plotter, and a multifunction peripheral of at leasttwo of the foregoing capabilities, there is known, for example, an inkdischarge type recording apparatus including a liquid discharge head. Asthe liquid discharge head, a circulation type head including a supplychannel to an individual liquid chamber communicated with a nozzle and adischarge channel leading to the individual liquid chamber, andincluding a supply port of liquid leading to the supply channel and adischarge port of liquid leading to the discharge channel is known.

As the circulation type liquid discharge head, a configuration includingliquid tanks on a supply side and a discharge side (recovery side) todeliver liquid from a positive pressure side to a negative pressure sideby a pressure difference between positive air and negative air in twoliquid tanks and deliver the liquid from the negative pressure side tothe positive pressure side by a pump, thereby circulating the liquidbetween the liquid tank and the head which discharges the liquid isknown.

With such a circulation mechanism, it is possible to prevent the nozzlefrom drying and prevent sedimentation of high density pigments.

In the conventional apparatus, when refilling the liquid tank with ink,discharge operation is stopped and restarted after refilling, so thatthere is a problem that productivity is lowered. In particular, in acase where a volume of the liquid tank is small, ink refilling operationon the liquid tank from a refilling liquid tank is frequently performed,so that deterioration in productivity is inevitable.

SUMMARY

In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquidsupply device that includes a liquid discharge head, a main tank, afirst sub-tank, a second sub-tank, a first channel, a degassing device,and a second channel. The liquid discharge head is configured todischarge liquid. The main tank is configured to store liquid to besupplied to the liquid discharge head. The first sub-tank is configuredto store gas and liquid and connected to the main tank and the liquiddischarge head. The second sub-tank. is configured to store gas andliquid and connected to the first sub-tank and the liquid dischargehead. The first channel connects between the main tank and the firstsub-tank. The degassing device is configured to degas liquid in thefirst channel. The second channel connects between the second sub-tankand the first channel.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquidsupply device that includes a liquid discharge head, a main tank, afirst sub-tank, a second sub-tank a first channel, a degassing device,and a second channel. The liquid discharge head is configured todischarge liquid. The main tank is configured to store liquid to besupplied to the liquid discharge head. The first sub-tank is configuredto store gas and liquid and connected to the main tank and the liquiddischarge head. The second sub-tank is configured to store gas andliquid and connected to the first sub-tank and the liquid dischargehead. The first channel connects between the main tank and the firstsub-tank. The degassing device is configured to degas liquid in thefirst channel. The second channel connects between the second sub-tankand the main tank.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided aliquid supply device that includes a liquid discharge head, a main tank,a first sub-tank, a second sub-tank, a first channel, a first degassingdevice, a second channel, and a second degassing device. The liquiddischarge head is configured to discharge liquid. The main tank isconfigured to store liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head.The first sub-tank is configured to store gas and liquid and connectedto the main tank and the liquid discharge head. The second sub-tank isconfigured to store gas and liquid and connected to the first sub-tankand the liquid discharge head. The first channel connects between themain tank and the first sub-tank. The first degassing device isconfigured to degas liquid in the first channel. The second channelconnects between the second sub-tank and the first sub-tank to supplyliquid from the second sub-tank to the first sub-tank. The seconddegassing device is configured to degas liquid in the second channel.

In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda liquid supply device that includes a liquid discharge head, a maintank, a first sub-tank, a second sub-tank, a first air tank, and asecond air tank. The liquid discharge head is configured to dischargeliquid. The main tank is configured to store liquid to he supplied tothe liquid discharge head. The first sub-tank is configured to store gasand liquid and connected to the main tank and the liquid discharge head.The second sub-tank is configured to store gas and liquid and connectedto the first sub-tank and the liquid discharge head. The first air tankis configured to store gas and connected to the first sub-tank. Thesecond air tank is configured to store gas and connected to the secondsub-tank.

In still yet further another aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a liquid supply device that includes a first liquid dischargehead, a second liquid discharge head, a main tank, a first sub-tank, asecond sub-tank, a third sub tank, a fourth sub-tank, anegative-pressure air tank, and a positive-pressure air tank. The firstliquid discharge head is configured to discharge liquid. The secondliquid discharge head is configured to discharge liquid. The main tankis configured to store liquid to be supplied to the first liquiddischarge head and the second liquid discharge head. The first sub-tankis configured to store gas and liquid and connected to the main tank andthe first liquid discharge head. The second sub-tank configured to storegas and liquid and connected to the first sub-tank and the first liquiddischarge head. The third sub-tank is configured to store gas and liquidand connected to the main tank and the second liquid discharge head. Thefourth sub-tank is configured to store gas and liquid and connected tothe third sub-tank and the second liquid discharge head. Thenegative-pressure air tank is configured to store gas and supply anegative air pressure. The positive-pressure air tank is configured tostore gas and supply a positive air pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The aforementioned and other aspects, features, and advantages of thepresent disclosure would be better understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description when considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating an example of a liquid dischargeunit;

FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating an example of the liquid dischargeunit;

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating an example of the liquid dischargeunit;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a mechanical section in an example of a liquiddischarge apparatus;

FIGS. 5A to 5D are schematic views illustrating examples of aconfiguration of a liquid supply device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an external view illustrating an example of the liquid supplydevice according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 7A to 7C are schematic views illustrating examples of aconfiguration of a liquid supply device according to a secondembodiment;

FIGS. 8A to 8C are schematic views illustrating examples of aconfiguration of a liquid supply device according to a third embodiment;

FIGS. 9A to 9C are schematic views illustrating examples of aconfiguration of a liquid supply device according to a fourthembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a configurationof a liquid supply device according to a filth embodiment;

FIGS. 11A to 11C are schematic views illustrating examples of aconfiguration of a liquid supply device according to a sixth embodiment;

FIGS. 12A to 12C are schematic views illustrating examples of aconfiguration of a liquid supply device according to a seventhembodiment;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating a comparative example of aliquid supply device;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic views illustrating examples of aconfiguration of a liquid supply device according to an eighthembodiment;

FIG. 15 is an external view illustrating an example of the liquid supplydevice according to the eighth embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a graph conceptually illustrating a difference in pressurefluctuation depending on whether an air tank is connected;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a configurationof a liquid supply device according to a ninth embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a configurationof a liquid supply device according to a variation of the ninthembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a configurationof a liquid supply device according to another variation of the ninthembodiment;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a configurationof a liquid supply device according to Mill another variation of theninth embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a configurationof a liquid supply device according to a tenth embodiment; and

FIG. 22 is a schematic view illustrating another comparative example ofa liquid supply device.

The accompanying drawings are intended to depict embodiments of thepresent disclosure and should not be interpreted to limit the scopethereof. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn toscale unless explicitly noted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing embodiments illustrated m the drawings, specificterminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosureof this patent specification is not intended to be limited to thespecific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that eachspecific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in asimilar manner and achieve similar results.

Although the embodiments are described with technical limitations withreference to the attached drawings, such description is not intended tolimit the scope of the disclosure and all of the components or elementsdescribed in the embodiments of this disclosure are not necessarilyindispensable.

Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure aredescribed below In the drawings for explaining the followingembodiments, the same reference codes are allocated to elements (membersor components) having the same function or shape and redundantdescriptions thereof are omitted below.

Hereinafter, a liquid supply device, a liquid discharge unit, and aliquid discharge apparatus according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure are described with reference to the drawings. Embodiments ofthe present disclosure are not limited to embodiments hereinafterdescribed, and changes such as other embodiments, additions,modifications, and deletions may be made within the scope conceivable bythose skilled in the art. Any aspects are included in the scope of thepresent disclosure as long as the actions and effects of the presentinvention are exhibited.

Liquid Discharge Unit

A liquid discharge unit includes a liquid supply device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure described below.

The “liquid discharge unit” is obtained by integrating anotherfunctional component and mechanism with a liquid discharge head, and isan assembly of components relating to a liquid discharge function.

For example, the “liquid discharge unit” may include a combination of aliquid discharge head with at least one of, for example, a supplymechanism of a liquid supply device according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, a carriage, a maintenance unit, and a main scanmoving unit.

Examples of integrating herein include, for example, securing of theliquid discharge head, functional component, and mechanism by fastening,bonding, or engaging, and holding of one so as to be movable withrespect to the other. The liquid discharge head, functional component,and mechanism may also be detachably attached to one another.

Examples of the liquid discharge unit include an integrated unit of aliquid discharge head and a head tank, an integrated unit of a liquiddischarge head and a head tank that are connected to each other via, forexample, a tube. A unit including a filter may also be herein addedbetween the head tank and the liquid discharge head of the liquiddischarge unit.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an integrated unit of a liquiddischarge head and a carriage as the liquid discharge unit.

A liquid discharge unit 440 illustrated in FIG. 1 is mounted on acarriage 403. The carriage 403 is held by a guide 401 constituting partof a main scan moving unit 493 and reciprocally moves in a main scanningdirection indicated by arrow “D1” in FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 illustrates a conveyance belt 412 to convey a recording medium(for example, a sheet of paper), of members constituting a liquiddischarge apparatus described later. The Conveyance belt 412 is anendless belt and is stretched between a conveyance roller 413 and atension roller 414.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an integrated unit of a liquiddischarge head and a main scan moving unit as the liquid discharge unit.

For a liquid discharge unit 440 illustrated in FIG. 2, the guide 401constituting part of the main scan moving unit 493 movably holds theliquid discharge head 404, so that the liquid discharge head 404 and amain scan moving unit 493 are integrated as a single unit. In someembodiments, the liquid discharge unit 440 may be an integrated unit inwhich the liquid discharge head 404, the carriage 403, and the main scanmoving unit 493 are integrated as a single unit.

The main scan moving unit 493 may also include a guide only.

FIG. 2 illustrates a housing part including side plates 491A and 491Band a rear plate 491C, of members constituting a liquid dischargeapparatus described later. In FIG. 2, arrow D1 indicates a main scanningdirection.

In some embodiments, a cap constituting part of a maintenance unit maybe secured to a carriage mounted with a liquid discharge head so thatthe liquid discharge head, the carriage, and the maintenance unit areintegrated as a single unit to form the liquid discharge unit.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a liquid discharge unit in which a tubeis coupled to a liquid discharge head to which a head tank or a channelcomponent is attached, and the liquid discharge head and the supplymechanism are integrated as a single unit.

A liquid discharge unit 440 illustrated in FIG. 3 in which a tube 456 iscoupled to the liquid discharge head 404 to which a channel component444 is attached so that the liquid discharge head 404 and a supplymechanism are integrated as a single unit. Liquid in a liquid storagesource is supplied to the liquid discharge head 404 through the tube456.

The channel component 444 is disposed inside a cover 442. Instead of thechannel component 444, the liquid discharge unit 440 may include thehead tank 441. A connector 443 electrically connected to the liquiddischarge head 404 is provided above the channel component 444.

The integrated supply mechanism may be a tube(s) only or a loading unitonly.

Liquid Discharge Apparatus

A liquid discharge apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure includes a liquid supply device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure described below.

FIG. 4 illustrates a serial type image forming apparatus as an exampleof the liquid discharge apparatus according to the present embodiment.FIG. 4 is a plan view of a mechanical section of the liquid dischargeapparatus according to the present embodiment.

A liquid supply device 300 according to the present embodimentconstitutes part of a liquid discharge unit 440 in which liquiddischarge heads 8 (8 a and 8 b) and a liquid supply assembly areintegrated as a single unit. As the liquid discharge unit 440, theliquid supply device 300 is mounted in the liquid discharge apparatus1000 illustrated as the image forming apparatus.

The liquid discharge apparatus 1000 illustrated in FIG. 4 movably holdsa carriage 103 by a main guide 101, which is laterally bridged on rightand left side plates, and a sub guide. A main scanning motor 105reciprocates the carriage 103 in the main scanning direction (carriagemoving direction) D1 via a timing belt 108 stretched between a drivingpulley 106 and a driven pulley 107.

The liquid discharge head 8 is mounted on the carriage 103. The liquiddischarge head 8 discharges ink droplets of respective colors of yellow(Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K), for example.

The liquid discharge head 8 is mounted with a nozzle line 8 n includinga plurality of nozzles arranged in a sub-scanning direction D2orthogonal to the main scanning direction D1 such that a dropletdischarge direction is a direction downward.

As the liquid discharge head forming the liquid discharge head 8, forexample, a piezoelectric actuator such as a piezoelectric element or athermal actuator which uses an electrothermal conversion element such asa heating resistor to use phase change due to film boiling of liquid maybe used.

To convey a sheet of paper P (hereinafter referred to as “sheet P”), theliquid discharge apparatus 1000 includes a sheet conveyance belt 112 asa sheet conveyor to electrostatically attract and convey the sheet at aposition facing the liquid discharge head 8. The sheet conveyance belt112 is an endless belt and is stretched between a belt conveyance roller113 and a tension roller 114.

When the belt conveyance roller 11 is rotationally driven by asub-scanning motor 116 via a timing belt 117 and a timing pulley 118,the sheet conveyance belt 112 rotates to move in the sub-scanningdirection D2. The sheet conveyance belt 112 is charged (charge isimparted) by a charging roller not illustrated while rotating to move.

A maintenance/recovery mechanism (cleaner) 120 which performsmaintenance/recovery of the liquid discharge head 8 is arranged to theside of the sheet conveyance belt 112 on one side in the main scanningdirection D1 of the carriage 103, and a dummy discharge receptacle 121which performs dummy discharge from the liquid discharge head 8 isarranged to the side of the sheet conveyance belt 112 on the other side.

The maintenance/recovery mechanism 120 includes, for example, a capmember 120 a for capping a nozzle surface (surface on which a nozzle isformed) of the liquid discharge head 8, a wiping mechanism 120 b forwiping the nozzle surface, and a dummy discharge receptacle notillustrated which discharges liquid droplets not contributing to imageformation and the like.

The wiping mechanism 120 b may include at least an elongated wipingmember capable of absorbing liquid to be described later, and mayfurther include a blade-shaped member formed of an elastic material (forexample, rubber and the like).

A discharge detection unit 100 is arranged outside a recording areabetween the sheet conveyance belt 112 and the maintenance/recoverymechanism 120 and in an area capable of facing the liquid discharge head8. The carriage 103 is provided with a cleaning unit 200 for cleaning anelectrode plate of the discharge detection unit 100.

An encoder scale 123 with a predetermined pattern formed is stretchedbetween both side plates in the main scanning direction D1 of thecarriage 103, and the carriage 103 is provided with an encoder sensor124 including a transmission type photosensor which reads the pattern ofthe encoder scale 123. The encoder scale 123 and the encoder sensor 124configure a linear encoder (main scanning encoder) that detects movementof the carriage 103.

A code wheel 125 is attached to a shaft of the belt conveyance roller113, and an encoder sensor 126 including a transmission type photosensorwhich detects a pattern formed on the code wheel 125 is provided. Thecode wheel 125 and the encoder sensor 126 form a rotary encoder(sub-scanning encoder which detects a moving amount and a movingposition of the sheet conveyance belt 112.

In the image forming apparatus (the liquid discharge apparatus 1000)configured in this manner, a sheet P is fed from a sheet feeding traynot illustrated onto the sheet conveyance belt 112 which is charged tobe attracted, and the sheet P is conveyed in the sub-scanning directionD2 by rotary movement of the sheet conveyance belt 112.

Therefore, by driving the liquid discharge head 8 according to an imagesignal while moving the carriage 103 in the main scanning direction D1,ink droplets are discharged onto the stopped sheet P to record one line.After the sheet P is conveyed by a predetermined amount, a next line isrecorded.

Upon reception of a recording end signal or a signal indicating that atrailing edge of the sheet P reaches the recording area, recordingoperation is terminated and the sheet P is ejected to an ejection traynot illustrated

Liquid Supply Device

FIGS. 5A to 5D are schematic views illustrating examples or a liquidsupply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.6 is an external view illustrating an example of the liquid supplydevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Arrows inthe drawings indicate directions in which liquid or gas flows.

The liquid supply device 300 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure includes at least a liquid discharge head 8, a main tank 1, afirst sub-tank, a second sub-tank, a first channel 11, a degassingdevice 21, and a second channel (bypass channel) 22. The liquiddischarge head 8 discharges liquid. The main tank 1 stores liquid to besupplied to the liquid discharge head 8. The first sub-tank stores gasand liquid and is connected to the main tank 1 and the liquid dischargehead 8. The second sub-tank stores gas and liquid and is connected tothe first sub-tank and the liquid discharge head 8. The first channel 11connects the main tank 1 and the first sub-tank. The degassing device 21degasses liquid in the first channel 11. The second channel 22 iscommunicated with the second sub-tank.

The second channel 22 preferably includes a mechanism of controlling theflow rate of liquid in the second channel 22. Controlling the flow rateof liquid in the second channel 22 allows setting of an appropriate flowrate for processing capacity of the degassing device 21, thus allowingdegassing performance to be sufficiently obtained.

Examples of the mechanism of controlling the flow rate include channelresistance, electromagnetic valves, and pumps.

FIRST EMBODIMENT Example 1

FIG. 5A and FIG. 6 illustrate an example of the liquid supply deviceaccording to the first embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present exampleillustrated in FIG. 5A includes a liquid discharge head 8, a main tank1, a first sub-tank, a second sub-tank, a first channel 11, a degassingdevice 21, and a second channel (bypass channel) 22. The liquiddischarge head 8 discharges liquid. The main tank 1 stores liquid to besupplied to the liquid discharge head 8. The first sub-tank stores gasand liquid and is connected to the main tank 1 and the liquid dischargehead 8. The second sub-tank stores gas and liquid and is connected tothe first sub-tank and the liquid discharge head 8. The first channel 11connects the main tank 1 and the first sub-tank. The degassing device 21degasses liquid in the first channel 11. The second channel 22 connectsthe second sub-tank and the first channel 11.

In the liquid supply device 300 according to the present example, thesecond channel 22 includes a channel resistance 23 as a mechanism ofcontrolling the flow rate of liquid in the second channel 22.

Examples of the channel resistance 23 include a channel resistance suchas a fine tube of a fixed resistance value and a channel resistance suchas a needle valve of a resistance value that is arbitrarily adjustable.

Note that, in the present example, the first sub-tank is anegative-pressure sub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid dischargehead 8 and the second sub-tank is a positive-pressure sub-tank 3 tosupply liquid to the liquid discharge head 8.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example includes afirst supply pump 4 and a second liquid supply pump 5. The first liquidsupply pump 4 is connected between the main tank 1 and the firstsub-tank (the negative-pressure sub-tank 2) to supply liquid from themain tank 1 to the first sub-tank (the negative-pressure sub-tank 2).The second liquid supply pump 5 is connected between the first sub-tank(the negative-pressure sub-tank 2) and the second sub-tank (thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3) to supply liquid from the first sub-tank(the negative-pressure sub-tank 2) to the second sub-tank (thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3).

The liquid is sent from the main tank 1 to the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 by the liquid supply pump 4. The liquid sent to thenegative-pressure sub-tank 2 is sent to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3by the second liquid supply pump 5 as a circulation pump. The liquidsent to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 is sent to thenegative-pressure sub-tank 2 via the liquid discharge head 8 by apressure difference from the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 and/or by thesecond channel 22 as the bypass channel.

The second channel (bypass channel) 22 of the liquid supply device 300of the present example is connected to the first channel 11 on theupstream side of the degassing device 21.

The position at which the second channel (bypass channel) 22 isconnected to the first channel 11 is not particularly limited but may heany position that is on the upstream side from the degassing device 21regardless of being on the upstream side or downstream side from thefirst liquid supply pump 4.

The above-described configuration can maintain a state in which theliquid is constantly degassed in the second channel (bypass channel) 22.Even if gas is dissolved inside the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 and thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3, circulating the liquid to the upstreamside of the degassing device 21 allows the degassed liquid to besupplied to the negative-pressure sub-tank 2.

A liquid supply device according to a comparative example is illustratedin FIG. 13.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, since the second channel (bypass channel) 22is not provided in. a liquid supply device 300C according to thecomparative example, the liquid in the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 issent to the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 through the liquid dischargehead 8 by the pressure difference. Accordingly, it may be difficult toconstantly maintain the circulating liquid in a degassed state.

On the other hand, the liquid supply device 300 of the present exampleconstantly can keep the circulating liquid in the degassed state andprevent the occurrence of bubbles due to dissolved gas in the liquid andthe occurrence of defective discharge in the liquid discharge head 8 dueto dissolved gas in the liquid.

Example 2

FIG. 5B illustrates the liquid supply device according to a variation ofthe first embodiment.

In the liquid supply device 300 according to the present example, thefirst sub-tank is a negative-pressure sub-tank 2 to collect liquid fromthe liquid discharge head 8, and the second sub-tank is apositive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid to the liquid dischargehead 8.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example includes afirst liquid supply pump 4 and a second liquid supply pump 5. The firstliquid supply pump 4 is connected between the main tank 1 and the firstsub-tank (the positive-pressure sub-tank 3) to supply liquid from themain tank 1 to the first sub-tank (the positive-pressure sub-tank 3).The second liquid supply pump 5 is connected between the first sub-tank(the positive-pressure sub-tank 3) and the second sub-tank (thenegative-pressure sub-tank 2) to supply liquid from the first sub-tank(the positive-pressure sub-tank 3) to the second sub-tank (thenegative-pressure sub-tank 2).

The liquid is sent from the main tank 1 to the positive-pressuresub-tank 3 by the first liquid supply pump 4. The liquid sent to thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3 is sent to the negative-pressure sub-tank 2by the second liquid supply pump (circulation pump) 5. The liquid sentto the negative pressure sub-tank 2 is sent to the positive-pressuresub-tank 3 through the second channel (bypass channel) 22.

Except for the configuration described above, the configuration of thepresent example is the same as the configuration of Example 1illustrated in FIG. 5A.

In the liquid supply device 300 of Example 1, the main tank 1 isconnected to the negative-pressure sub-tank 2. In the liquid supplydevice of the present example, the main tank 1 is connected to thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3.

As described above, the sub-tank connected to the main tank 1 may be anyof the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 and the positive-pressure sub-tank3.

However, from the viewpoint of reducing the occurrence of pressurefluctuation, the configuration of Example 1 in which the sub-tankconnected to the main tank 1 is the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 is morepreferable.

Example 3

FIG. 5C illustrates the liquid supply device according to a variation ofthe first embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present exampleillustrated in FIG. 5C includes a liquid discharge head 8, a main tank1, a first sub-tank, a second sub-tank, a first channel 11, a degassingdevice 21, and a second channel (bypass channel) 22. The liquiddischarge head 8 discharges liquid. The main tank 1 stores liquid to besupplied to the liquid discharge head 8. The first sub-tank stores gasand liquid and is connected to the main tank 1 and the liquid dischargehead 8. The second sub-tank stores gas and liquid and is connected tothe first sub-tank and the liquid discharge head 8. The first channel 11connects the main tank 1 and the first sub-tank. The degassing device 21degasses liquid in the first channel 11. The second channel 22 connectsthe second sub-tank and the main tank 1.

In the liquid supply device 300 according to the present example, thesecond channel 22 includes a channel resistance 23 as a mechanism ofcontrolling the flow rate of liquid in the second channel 22.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example includes afirst liquid supply pump 4 and a second liquid supply pump 5. The firstliquid supply pump 4 is connected between the main tank 1 and the firstsub-tank (the negative-pressure sub-tank 2) to supply liquid from themain tank 1 to the first sub-tank (the negative-pressure sub-tank 2).The second liquid supply pump 5 is connected between the first sub-tank(the negative-pressure sub-tank 2) and the second sub-tank (thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3) to supply liquid from the first sub-tank(the negative-pressure sub-tank 2) to the second sub-tank (thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3).

The liquid, is sent from the main tank 1 to the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 by the liquid supply pump 4. The liquid sent to thenegative-pressure sub-tank 2 is sent to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3by the second liquid supply pump 5 as a circulation pump. The liquidsent to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 is sent to thenegative-pressure sub-tank 2 via the liquid discharge head 8 by apressure difference from the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 or is sent tothe main tank 1 by the second channel (bypass channel) 22.

In the liquid supply device 300 of the present example, the secondchannel (bypass channel) 22 is connected to the main tank 1. Such aconfiguration can reduce the amount of dissolved gas up to the liquid inthe main tank 1 and maintain a state in which the amount of gasdissolved in the liquid is low. Increasing the flow rate of an object tobe circulated can exert an effect of stirring and enhance the degassingefficiency.

However, in the aspect of the present example, since the number ofdrives of the liquid supply pump 4 increase, the above-describedExamples 1 and 2 are more advantageous from the viewpoint of the productlife of the liquid supply pump 4.

The liquid supply device 300 of the present example has the sameconfiguration as the configuration of Example 1 except that theconnection destination of the second channel (bypass channel) 22 is themain tank 1.

Further, similarly to Example 2, the first sub-tank connected to themain tank 1 can be the positive-pressure sub-tank 3.

Example 4

FIG. 7D illustrates the liquid supply device according to a variation ofthe first embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present exampleillustrated in FIG. 5D includes a liquid discharge head 8, a main tank1, a first sub-tank, a second sub-tank, a first channel 11, a firstdegassing device 21 a, a second channel (bypass channel) 22, and asecond degassing device 21 b. The liquid discharge head 8 dischargesliquid. The main tank 1 stores liquid to be supplied to the liquiddischarge head 8. The first sub-tank stores gas and liquid and isconnected to the main tank 1 and the liquid discharge head 8. The secondsub-tank stores gas and liquid and is connected to the first sub-tankand the liquid discharge head 8. The first channel 11 connects the maintank 1 and the first sub-tank. The first degassing device 21 a degassesliquid in the first channel 11. The second channel 22 connects thesecond sub-tank and the first sub-tank to supply liquid from the secondsub-tank to the first sub-tank. The second degassing device 21 bdegasses liquid in the second channel 22.

In the liquid supply device 300 according to the present example, thesecond channel 22 includes a channel resistance 23 as a mechanism ofcontrolling the flow rate of liquid in the second channel 22.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example includes afirst liquid supply pump 4 and a second liquid supply pump 5. The firstliquid supply pump 4 is connected between the main tank 1 and the firstsub-tank (the negative-pressure sub-tank 2) to supply liquid from themain tank 1 to the first sub-tank (the negative-pressure sub-tank 2).The second liquid supply pump 5 is connected between the first sub-tank(the negative-pressure sub-tank 2) and the second sub-tank (thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3) to supply liquid from the first sub-tank(the negative-pressure sub-tank 2) to the second sub-tank (thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3).

The liquid is sent from the main tank 1 to the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 by the liquid supply pump 4. The liquid sent to thenegative-pressure sub-tank 2 is sent to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3by the second liquid supply pump 5 as a circulation pump. The liquidsent to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 is sent to thenegative-pressure sub-tank 2 via the liquid discharge head 8 by apressure difference from the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 or by thesecond channel 22 as the bypass channel.

In the liquid supply device 300 of the present embodiment, the secondchannel (bypass channel) 22 is directly connected to the first sub-tank,and the liquid from the second sub-tank is supplied to the firstsub-tank in a state of being degassed by the second degassing device 21b.

Such a configuration allows the liquid supplied to the first sub-tank tobe constantly maintained in a degassed state. Circulating the liquidallows the degassed liquid to be also supplied to the negative-pressuresub-tank 2.

The liquid supply device 300 of the present example has the sameconfiguration as the configuration of Example 1 except that theconnection destination of the second channel (bypass channel) 22 is themain tank 1.

Further, similarly to Example 2, the first sub-tank connected to themain tank 1 can be the positive-pressure sub-tank 3.

SECOND EMBODIMENT Example 5

FIG. 7A illustrates an example of the liquid supply device according tothe second embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 of the present example is similar to theliquid supply device 300 of Example 1 illustrated in FIG. 5A except thatthe liquid supply device 300 of the present example includes anelectromagnetic valve 25 to control the flow rate of liquid in thechannel.

The electromagnetic valve 25 is not particularly limited but anyelectromagnetic valve that can open and close to control the flow rateof liquid.

Further, the second channel (bypass channel) 22 may be branched from theelectromagnetic valve 25 to two or more degassing channels 20 to switchthe valve to control the apparent flow control.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

Example 6

FIG. 7B illustrates the liquid supply device according to a variation ofthe second embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 of the present example is similar to theliquid supply device 300 of Example 3 illustrated in FIG. 5C except thatthe liquid supply device 300 of the present example includes anelectromagnetic valve 25 to control the flow rate of liquid in thechannel.

The electromagnetic valve 25 is not particularly limited but anyelectromagnetic valve that can open and close to control the flow rateof liquid.

Further, the second channel (bypass channel) 22 may be branched from theelectromagnetic valve 25 to two or more degassing channels 20 to switchthe valve to control the apparent flow control.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

Example 7

FIG. 7C illustrates the liquid supply device according to a variation ofthe second embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 of the present example is similar to theliquid supply device 300 of Example 4 illustrated in FIG. 5D except thatthe liquid supply device 300 of the present example includes anelectromagnetic valve 25 to control the flow rate of liquid in thechannel.

The electromagnetic valve 25 is not particularly limited but anyelectromagnetic valve that can open and close to control the flow rateof liquid.

Further, the second channel (bypass channel) 22 may be branched from theelectromagnetic valve 25 to two or more degassing channels 20 to switchthe valve to control the apparent flow control.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

THIRD EMBODIMENT Example 8

FIG. 8A illustrates an example of the liquid supply device according tothe second embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 of the present example is similar to theliquid supply device 300 of Example 1 illustrated in FIG. 5A except thatthe liquid supply device 300 of the present example includes a degassingpump 24 to control the flow rate of liquid in the channel.

The degassing pump 24 is not particularly limited but may be any pumpthat can chive to control the flow rate. On preferable example of thepump is a volume type pump such as a tube pump. In another example, thedegassing pump 24 may be a syringe pump to control the flow rate ofliquid by a reciprocating operation, with a check valve provided in thesecond channel (bypass channel) 22.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

Example 9

FIG. 8B illustrates the liquid supply device according to a variation ofthe third embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 of the present example is similar to theliquid supply device 300 of Example 3 illustrated in FIG. 5C except thatthe liquid supply device 300 of the present example includes a degassingpump 24 to control the flow rate of liquid in the channel.

The degassing pump 24 is not particularly limited but may be any pumpthat can drive to control the flow rate. On preferable example of thepump is a volume type pump such as a tube pump. In another example, thedegassing pump 24 may be a syringe pump to control the flow rate ofliquid by a reciprocating operation, with a check valve provided in thesecond channel (bypass channel) 22.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

Example 10

FIG. 8C illustrates the liquid supply device according to a variation ofthe third embodiment.

In the liquid supply device 300 according to the present example, thesecond channel 22 includes a degassing pump 24 as a mechanism ofcontrolling the flow rate of liquid in the second channel 22. A seconddegassing device to degas the liquid in the second channel also servesas a degassing pump as a mechanism of controlling the flow rate.Therefore, only the degassing pump 24 is provided in the second channel(bypass channel) 22. The configuration of the present example is thesame as the configuration of Example 4 illustrated in FIG 5D except forthe configuration on the second channel (bypass channel) 22.

The degassing pump is not particularly limited but may be any pump thatcan drive to control the flow rate. On preferable example of the pump isa volume type pump such as a tube pump. In another example, thedegassing pump 24 may be a syringe pump to control the flow rate ofliquid by a reciprocating operation, with a check valve provided in thesecond channel (bypass channel) 22.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT Example 11

FIG. 9A illustrates an example of the liquid supply device according tothe fourth embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example is similarto Example 1 illustrated in FIG. 5A except that the liquid supply device300 according to the present example includes a negative-pressure airtank 9 and a positive-pressure air tank 10. The negative-pressure airtank 9 contains a gas and is connected to the negative-pressure sub-tank2 to supply a negative air pressure. The positive-pressure air tank 10contains a gas and is connected to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 tosupply a positive air pressure.

The liquid supply device 300 of the present example further includes adecompression air pump 7 and a pressurizing air pump 6. Thedecompression air pump 7 is connected to the negative-pressure air tank9 to reduce the pressure of the negative-pressure air tank 9. Thepressurizing air pump 6 is connected to the positive-pressure air tank10 to pressurize the positive-pressure air tank 10.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example includes afirst negative-pressure air channel 15, a second negative-pressure airchannel 17, a first positive-pressure air channel 16, and a secondpositive-pressure air channel 18. The first negative-pressure airchannel 15 connects the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 and thenegative-pressure air tank 9. The second negative-pressure air channel17 is communicated with the negative-pressure air tank 9 and connectedto the decompression air pump 7. The first positive-pressure air channel16 connects the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 and the positive-pressureair tank 10. The second positive-pressure air channel 18 is communicatedwith the positive-pressure air tank 10 and connected to the pressurizingair pump 6.

A volume of the air tank (the positive-pressure air tank 10 and thenegative-pressure air tank 9) is preferably larger than a volume of thesub-tank (the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 and the negative-pressuresub-tank 2).

As described above, in the liquid supply device 300 of the presentembodiment, the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 and the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 are arranged above the liquid discharge head 8. Thepositive-pressure air tank 10 and the negative-pressure air tank 9 canbe provided as separate components at different positions from thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3 and the negative-pressure sub-tank 2,respectively.

As described above, connecting the air tanks can increase the air volumein each sub-tank, so that an air damper effect can be obtained.

As a result, in addition to the effect of preventing the generation ofbubbles due to the dissolved gas and the occurrence of discharge failurein the liquid discharge head 8 due to the dissolved gas, the width ofthe pulsation during circulation by the driving of the pump and theoccurrence of large pressure fluctuations during the discharge of theliquid can be reduced.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

Example 12

FIG. 9B illustrates the liquid supply device according to a variation ofthe fourth embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example is similarto Example 3 illustrated in FIG. 5C except that the liquid supply device300 according to the present example includes a negative-pressure airtank 9 and a positive-pressure air tank 10. The negative-pressure airtank 9 contains a gas and is connected to the negative-pressure sub-tank2 to supply a negative air pressure. The positive-pressure air tank 10contains a gas and is connected to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 tosupply a positive air pressure.

The liquid supply device 300 of the present example further includes adecompression air pump 7 and a pressurizing air pump 6. Thedecompression air pump 7 is connected to the negative-pressure air tank9 to reduce the pressure of the negative-pressure air tank 9. Thepressurizing air pump 6 is connected to the positive-pressure air tank10 to pressurize the positive-pressure air tank 10.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example includes afirst negative-pressure air channel 15, a second negative-pressure airchannel 17, a first positive-pressure air channel 16, and a secondpositive-pressure air channel 18. The first negative-pressure airchannel 15 connects the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 and thenegative-pressure air tank 9. The second negative-pressure air channel17 is communicated with the negative-pressure air tank 9 and connectedto the decompression air pump 7. The first positive-pressure air channel16 connects the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 and the positive-pressureair tank 10. The second positive-pressure air channel 18 is communicatedwith the positive-pressure air tank 10 and connected to the pressurizingair pump 6.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

Example 13

FIG. 9C illustrates the liquid supply device according to a variation ofthe fourth embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example is similarto Example 4 illustrated in FIG. 5D except that the. liquid supplydevice 300 according to the present example includes a negative-pressureair tank 9 and a positive-pressure air tank 10. The negative-pressureair tank 9 contains a gas and is connected to the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to supply a negative air pressure. The positive-pressure airtank 10 contains a gas and is connected to the positive-pressuresub-tank 3 to supply a positive air pressure.

The liquid supply device 300 of the present example further includes adecompression air pump 7 and a pressurizing air pump 6. Thedecompression air pump 7 is connected to the negative-pressure air tank9 to reduce the pressure of the negative-pressure air tank 9. Thepressurizing air pump 6 is connected to the positive-pressure air tank10 to pressurize the positive-pressure air tank 10.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example includes afirst negative-pressure air channel 15, a second negative-pressure airchannel 17, a first positive-pressure air channel 16, and a secondpositive-pressure air channel 18. The first negative-pressure airchannel 15 connects the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 and thenegative-pressure air tank 9. The second negative-pressure air channel17 is communicated with the negative-pressure air tank 9 and connectedto the decompression air pump 7. The first positive-pressure air channel16 connects the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 and the positive-pressureair tank 10. The second positive-pressure air channel 18 is communicatedwith the positive-pressure air tank 10 and connected to the pressurizingair pump 6.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

FIFTH EMBODIMENT Example 14

FIG. 10 illustrates an example the liquid supply device according to thefifth embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example is thesame as Example 11 illustrated in FIG. 9A, except that the liquid supplydevice 300 according to the present example further includes anadditional negative-pressure air tank 9 b and an additionalpositive-pressure air tank 10 b. The additional negative-pressure airtank 9 b is connected between a negative-pressure air tank 9 a and thenegative-pressure sub-tank 2. The additional positive-pressure air tank10 b is connected between a positive-pressure air tank 10 a and thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3.

As described above, connecting the additional air tanks can increase theair volume in each sub-tank, so that a more excellent air damper effectcan be obtained.

As a result, in addition to the effect of preventing the generation ofbubbles due to the dissolved gas and the occurrence of discharge failurein the liquid discharge head 8 due to the dissolved gas, the width ofthe pulsation during circulation by the driving of the pump and theoccurrence of large pressure fluctuations during the discharge of theliquid can be reduced.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

SIXTH EMBODIMENT Example 15

FIG. 11A illustrates an example of a liquid supply device according tothe sixth embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example is similarto Example 5 illustrated in FIG. 7A except that the liquid supply device300 according to the present example includes a negative-pressure airtank 9 and a positive-pressure air tank 10. The negative-pressure airtank 9 contains a gas and is connected to the negative-pressure sub-tank2 to supply a negative air pressure. The positive-pressure air tank 10contains a gas and is connected to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 tosupply a positive air pressure.

The connection between the sub-tanks (the negative-pressure sub-tank 2and the positive-pressure sub-tank 3) and the air tanks (thenegative-pressure air tank 9 and the positive-pressure air tank 10) isthe same as the connection of Example 11 illustrated in FIG. 9A.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

Further, similarly to Example 14 illustrated in FIG. 10, an aspect maybe adopted in which an additional air tank is provided.

Example 16

FIG. 11B illustrates the liquid supply device according to a variationof the sixth embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example is similarto Example 6 illustrated in FIG. 7B except that the liquid supply device300 according to the present example includes a negative-pressure airtank 9 and a positive-pressure air tank 10. The negative-pressure airtank 9 contains a gas and is connected to the negative-pressure sub-tank2 to supply a negative air pressure. The positive-pressure air tank 10contains a gas and is connected to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 tosupply a positive air pressure.

The connection between the sub-tanks (the negative-pressure sub-tank 2and the positive-pressure sub-tank 3) and the air tanks (thenegative-pressure air tank 9 and the positive-pressure air tank 10) isthe same as the connection of Example 11 illustrated in FIG. 9A.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

Further, similarly to Example 14 illustrated in FIG. 10, an aspect maybe adopted in which an additional air tank is provided.

Example 17

FIG. 11C illustrates the liquid supply device according to a variationof the sixth embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example is similarto Example 7 illustrated in FIG. 7C except that the liquid supply device300 according to the present example includes a negative-pressure airtank 9 and a positive-pressure air tank 10. The negative-pressure airtank 9 contains a gas and is connected to the negative-pressure sub-tank2 to supply a negative air pressure. The positive-pressure air tank 10contains a gas and is connected to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 tosupply a positive air pressure.

The connection between the sub-tanks (the negative-pressure sub-tank 2and the positive-pressure sub-tank 3) and the air tanks (thenegative-pressure air tank 9 and the positive-pressure air tank 10) isthe same as the connection of Example 11 illustrated in FIG. 9A.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

Further, similarly to Example 14 illustrated in FIG. 10, an aspect maybe adopted in which an additional air tank is provided.

SEVENTH EMBODIMENT Example 18

FIG. 12A illustrates an example of the liquid supply device according tothe seventh embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example is similarto Example 8 illustrated in FIG. 8A except that the liquid supply device300 according to the present example includes a negative-pressure airtank 9 and a positive-pressure air tank 10. The negative-pressure airtank 9 contains a gas and is connected to the negative-pressure sub-tank2 to supply a negative air pressure. The positive-pressure air tank 10contains a gas and is connected to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 tosupply a positive air pressure.

The connection between the sub-tanks (the negative-pressure sub-tank 2and the positive-pressure sub-tank 3) and the air tanks (thenegative-pressure air tank 9 and the positive-pressure air tank 10) isthe same as the connection of Example 11 illustrated in FIG. 9A.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can he the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

Further, similarly to Example 14 illustrated in FIG. 10, an aspect maybe adopted in which an additional air tank is provided.

Example 19

FIG. 12B illustrates the liquid supply device according to a variationof the seventh embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example is similarto Example 9 illustrated in FIG. 8B except that the liquid supply device300 according to the present example includes a negative-pressure airtank 9 and a positive-pressure air tank 10. The negative-pressure airtank 9 contains a gas and is connected to the negative-pressure sub-tank2 to supply a negative air pressure. The positive-pressure air tank 10contains a gas and is connected to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 tosupply a positive air pressure.

The connection between the sub-tanks (the negative-pressure sub-tank 2and the positive-pressure sub-tank 3) and the air tanks (thenegative-pressure air tank 9 and the positive-pressure air tank 10) isthe same as the connection of Example 11 illustrated in FIG. 9A.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

Further, similarly to Example 14 illustrated in FIG. 10, an aspect maybe adopted in which an additional air tank is provided.

Example 20

FIG. 12C illustrates the liquid supply device according to a variationof the seventh embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example is similarto Example 10 illustrated in FIG. 8C except that the liquid supplydevice 300 according to the present example includes a negative-pressureair tank 9 and a positive-pressure air tank 10. The negative-pressureair tank 10 contains a gas and is connected to the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to supply a negative air pressure. The positive-pressure airtank 10 contains a gas and is connected to the positive-pressuresub-tank 3 to supply a positive air pressure.

The connection between the sub-tanks (the negative-pressure sub-tank 2and the positive-pressure sub-tank 3) and the air tanks (thenegative-pressure air tank 9 and the positive-pressure air tank 10) isthe same as the connection of Example 11 illustrated in FIG. 9A.

In the present example, the first sub-tank is the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 8, and thesecond sub-tank is the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid tothe liquid discharge head 8. However, similarly to Example 2, the firstsub-tank connected to the main tank 1 can be the positive-pressuresub-tank 3.

Further, similarly to Example 14 illustrated in FIG. 10, an aspect maybe adopted in which an additional air tank is provided.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

In the first to twentieth examples described above, the configurationhas been described in which the liquid supply device includes the singleliquid discharge head 8 is connected to the negative-pressure sub-tank 2and the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 one by one. The liquid supplydevice is not limited to the above-described configuration but may be aconfiguration in which the liquid supply device includes a plurality ofliquid discharge heads 8.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid supply device mayinclude a plurality of positive-pressure sub-tanks 3 communicated witheach other, a positive-pressure air tank 10 connected to the pluralityof positive-pressure sub-tanks 3, a plurality of negative-pressuresub-tanks 2 communicated with each other, and a negative-pressure airtank 9 connected to the plurality of negative-pressure sub-tanks 2.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid supply device mayinclude a plurality of positive-pressure sub-tanks 3 communicated witheach other, a plurality of positive-pressure air tanks 10 connected tothe plurality of positive-pressure sub-tanks 3, a plurality ofnegative-pressure sub-tanks 2 communicated with each other, and aplurality of negative-pressure air tanks 9 connected to the plurality ofnegative-pressure sub-tanks 2.

Liquid Supply Device

FIGS. 14A and 14B and FIGS. 16 to 21 are schematic views of examples ofa liquid supply device according to some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 15 is an external view illustrating an example of theliquid supply device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Arrows in the drawings indicate directions in which liquidor gas flows.

The liquid supply device 300 according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure described below includes a liquid discharge head 8, a maintank 1, a sub-tank 2, a sub-tank 3, an air tank 9, and an air tank 10.The liquid discharge head 8 discharges liquid. The main tank 1 storesliquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head 8. The sub-tanks 2and 3 store at least gas and are communicated with the main tank 1 andthe liquid discharge head 8. The air tanks 9 and 10 store gas and areconnected to the sub-tanks 2 and 3. The liquid supply device 300includes, as the sub-tanks 2 and 3, at least a positive-pressure sub tan3 to supply liquid to the liquid discharge head 8 and anegative-pressure sub-tank 2 to collect liquid from the liquid dischargehead 8.

EIGHTH EMBODIMENT Example 21

FIG. 14A illustrates an example of the liquid supply device according tothe eighth embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 illustrated in FIG. 14A includes a liquiddischarge head 8, a main tank 1, a first sub-tank, a second sub-tank, afirst air tank, and a second air tank. The liquid discharge head 8discharges liquid. The main tank 1 stores liquid to be supplied to theliquid discharge head 8. The first sub-tank stores gas and liquid and isconnected to the main tank 1 and the liquid discharge head 8. The secondsub-tank stores gas and liquid and is connected to the first sub-tankand the liquid discharge head 8. The first air tank stores gas and isconnected to the first sub-tank. The second air tank stores gas and isconnected to the second sub-tank.

In the liquid supply device 300 of the present example, the firstsub-tank is the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 to collect liquid horn theliquid discharge head 8, and the second sub-tank is thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid to the liquid dischargehead 8. The first air tank is the negative-pressure air tank 9 to supplya negative air pressure. The second air tank is the positive-pressureair tank 10 to supply a positive air pressure.

Further, the liquid supply device 300 of the present example furtherincludes a first liquid supply pump 4 and a second liquid supply pump 5as a circulation pump. The first liquid supply pump 4 is connectedbetween the main tank 1 and the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 to supplyliquid from the, main tank 1 to the negative-pressure sub-tank 2. Thesecond liquid supply pump 5 is connected between the sub-tank 2 and thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid from the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3.

The liquid supply device 300 of the present embodiment includes adecompression air pump 7 and a pressurizing air pump 6. Thedecompression air pump 7 is connected to the negative-pressure air tank9 to reduce the pressure of the negative-pressure air tank 9. Thepressurizing air pump 6 is connected to the positive-pressure air tank10 to pressurize the positive-pressure air tank 10.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present embodimentincludes a liquid supply channel 11, a circulation channel 14, acollection channel 12, and a supply channel 13. The liquid supplychannel 11 connects the main tank 1 and the negative-pressure sub-tank2. The circulation channel 14 connects the positive-pressure sub-tank 3and the negative-pressure sub-tank 2. The collection channel 12 connectsthe negative-pressure sub-tank 2 and the liquid discharge head 8. Thesupply channel 13 connects the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 and theliquid discharge head 8.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present embodiment furtherincludes a first negative-pressure air channel 15, a secondnegative-pressure air channel 17, a first positive-pressure air channel16, and a second positive-pressure air channel 18. The firstnegative-pressure air channel 15 connects the negative-pressure sub-tank2 and the negative-pressure air tank 9. The second negative-pressure airchannel 17 is communicated with the negative-pressure air tank 9 andconnected to the decompression air pump 7. The first positive-pressureair channel 16 connects the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 and thepositive-pressure air tank 10. The second positive-pressure air channel18 is communicated with the positive-pressure air tank 10 and connectedto the pressurizing air pump 6.

In the liquid supply device 300 according to the present embodiment, avolume of the air tank (the positive-pressure air tank 10 and thenegative-pressure air tank 9) is preferably larger than a volume of thesub-tank (the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 and the negative-pressuresub-tank 2).

A specific volume of the air tank (positive pressure air tank 10 andnegative pressure air tank 9) may be appropriately selected according tothe type of an apparatus on which the air tank is mounted and the volumeof the sub-tank. For example, the volume of the air tank is preferably50 mL or larger for the sub-tank that stores 20 mL of liquid. On such acase, when the volume of the air tank is smaller than 50 mL, asufficient damper effect may not be obtained.

As described above, in the liquid supply device 300 according to thepresent embodiment, the small-sized positive-pressure sub-tank 3 andnegative-pressure sub-tank 2 are arranged above the liquid dischargehead 8. The large-volume positive-pressure air tank 10 andnegative-pressure air tank 9 are arranged as separate components atdifferent positions from the positions of the positive-pressure sub-tank3 and the negative-pressure sub-tank 2.

A liquid supply device according to a comparative example is illustratedin FIG. 22.

In the liquid supply device 300C according to the comparative exampleillustrated in FIG. 22, the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 and thedecompression air pump 7 are directly connected without an air tank.Similarly, the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 and the pressurizing airpump 6 are directly connected without an air tank. Accordingly, pressurefluctuations during ink supply increase.

FIG. 16 illustrates a difference in pressure fluctuation between aconfiguration of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14A in whichthe air tanks are connected and a configuration of the comparativeexample illustrated in FIG. 22 in which no air tank is connected.

FIG. 16 is a graph conceptually illustrating pressure fluctuations inthe collection channel 12 connecting the negative-pressure sub-tank 2and the liquid discharge head 8 and the supply channel 13 connecting thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3 and the liquid discharge head 8. Theexample of the present embodiment is indicated by solid line C1, and thecomparative example is indicated by broken line C2.

In FIG. 16, P0 is a set value of circulation pressure. V1 (fluctuationbetween pressures P1 and P2) indicates a pulsation range duringcirculation in the comparative example. V2 (fluctuation betweenpressures P1 and P3) indicates a range of pressure fluctuation duringliquid discharge.

In FIG. 3, in a period S from T1 at which the liquid discharge starts toT2 at which the liquid discharge ends, a significant pressurefluctuation V2 exceeding the pulsation range V1 occurs in thecomparative example C2 in which no air tank is connected. By contrast,in the example C1 of the present embodiment, the pressure fluctuationduring discharge and the pulsation width during circulation are reduced.

As described above, in the liquid supply device 300 according to thepresent embodiment, the sub-tanks (the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 andthe negative-pressure sub-tank 2) and to the air tanks (thepositive-pressure air tank 10 and the negative-pressure air tank 9) areconnected, so that an apparent gas volume in the sub-tanks become thesum of the volumes of gas in the sub-tanks and the volumes of gas in thelarge-volume air tanks. Therefore, a large air damper effect can beobtained, thus reducing the pulsation width during circulation due tothe driving of the pump and the occurrence of large pressure fluctuationduring liquid discharge. Further, reducing the occurrence of pressurefluctuation can prevent the occurrence of discharge failure of theliquid discharge head.

Example 22

FIG. 14B illustrates the liquid supply device according to a variationof the eighth embodiment.

In the liquid supply device 300 of Example 22, the main tank 1 isconnected to the negative-pressure sub-tank 2. In the liquid supplydevice of the present example, the main tank 1 is connected to thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3.

The liquid supply device 300 illustrated in FIG. 14B includes a maintank 1, a first sub-tank, a second sub-tank, a first air tank, and asecond air tank. The main tank 1 stores liquid to be supplied to theliquid discharge head 8. The first sub-tank stores gas and liquid and isconnected to the main tank 1 and the liquid discharge head 8. The secondsub-tank stores gas and liquid and is connected to the first sub-tankand the liquid discharge head 8. The first air tank stores gas and isconnected to the first sub-tank. The second air tank stores gas and isconnected to the second sub-tank. The first sub-tank is thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3 to supply liquid to the liquid dischargehead 8. The second sub-tank is the negative-pressure sub-tank to collectliquid from the liquid discharge head 8. The first air tank is thepositive-pressure air tank 10 to supply a positive air pressure. Thesecond air tank is the negative-pressure air tank 9 to supply a negativeair pressure.

As described above, the sub-tank connected to the main tank 1 may be anyof the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 and the positive-pressure sub-tank3.

However, from the viewpoint of reducing the occurrence of pressurefluctuation, the configuration of Example 1 in which the sub-tankconnected to the main tank 1 is the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 is morepreferable.

NINTH EMBODIMENT

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present embodimentincludes a plurality of negative-pressure sub-tanks 2 communicated witheach other, a negative-pressure air tank 9 connected to the plurality ofnegative-pressure sub-tanks 2, a plurality of positive-pressuresub-tanks 3 communicated with each other, and a positive-pressure airtank 10 connected to the plurality of positive-pressure sub-tanks 3.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present embodiment furtherincludes a decompression air pump 7 and a pressurizing air pump 6. Thedecompression air pump 7 is connected to the negative-pressure air tank9 to reduce the pressure of the negative-pressure air tank 9. Thepressurizing air pump 6 is connected to the positive-pressure air tank10 to pressurize the positive-pressure air tank 10.

Example 23

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of the liquid supply device according tothe ninth embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 illustrated in FIG. 17 includes a firstliquid discharge head 8 a, a second liquid discharge head 8 b, a maintank 1, a first sub-tank, a second sub-tank, a third sub-tank, a fourthsub-tank, a negative-pressure air tank 9, and a positive-pressure airtank 10. The first liquid discharge head 8 a and the second liquiddischarge head 8 b discharge liquid. The main tank 1 stores liquid to besupplied to the first liquid discharge head 8 a and the second liquiddischarge head 8 b. The first sub-tank stores gas and liquid and isconnected to the main tank 1 and the first liquid discharge head 8 a.The third sub-tank stores gas and liquid and is connected to the maintank 1 and the second liquid discharge head 8 b. The fourth sub-tankstores gas and liquid and is connected to the third sub-tank and thesecond liquid discharge head 8 b. The negative-pressure air tank 9stores gas to supply a negative air pressure. The positive-pressure airtank 10 stores gas to supply a positive air pressure.

In the liquid supply device 300 of the present embodiment, the firstsub-tank and the third sub-tank are negative-pressure sub-tanks 2 (2 aand 2 b) to collect liquid from the liquid discharge heads 8 (8 a and 8b). The second sub-tank and the fourth sub-tank are positive-pressuresub-tanks 3 (3 a and 3 b) to supply liquid to the liquid discharge heads8 (8 a and 8 b).

The negative-pressure air tank 9 is connected to the first sub-tank (thenegative-pressure sub-tank 2 a) and the third sub-tank (thenegative-pressure sub-tank 2 b). The positive-pressure air tank 10 isconnected to the second sub-tank (the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 a)and the fourth sub-tank (the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 b).

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present example includes afirst liquid supply pump 4 a, a second liquid supply pump 4 b, a thirdliquid supply pump (circulation pump) 5 a, and a fourth liquid supplypump (circulation pump) 5 b. The first liquid supply pump 4 a isconnected between the main tank 1 and the first sub-tank to supplyliquid from the main tank 1 to the first sub-tank. The second liquidsupply pinup 4 b is connected between the main tank 1 and the thirdsub-tank. to supply liquid from the main tank 1 to the third sub-tank.The third liquid supply pump 5 a is connected between the first sub-tankand the second sub-tank to supply liquid from the first sub-tank to thesecond sub-tank. The fourth liquid supply pump 5 b is connected to thethird sub-tank and the fourth sub-tank to supply liquid from the thirdsub-tank to the fourth sub-tank.

In the liquid supply device 300 illustrated in FIG. 17, the first liquidsupply pump 4 a is connected between the main tank 1 and onenegative-pressure sub-tank 2 a to supply liquid from the main tank 1 tothe one negative-pressure sub-tank 2 a. The second liquid supply pump 4b is connected between the main tank 1 and the other negative-pressuresub-tank 2 b to supply liquid from the main tank 1 to the othernegative-pressure sub-tank 2 b. The third liquid supply pump(circulation pump) 5 a is connected between the one negative-pressuresub-tank 2 a and the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 a to supply liquidfrom the one negative-pressure sub-tank 2 a to one positive-pressuresub-tank 3 a. The fourth liquid supply pump (circulation pump) 5 b isconnected between the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 b and the otherpositive-pressure sub-tank 3 b to supply liquid from the othernegative-pressure sub-tank 2 b to the other positive-pressure sub-tank 3b.

The liquid supply device illustrated in FIG. 17 includes a circulationchannel 14 a, a circulation channel 14 b, a collection channel 12 a, acollection channel 12 b, a supply channel 13 a, and a supply channel 13b. The circulation channel 14 a connects the positive-pressure sub-tank3 a and the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 a. The circulation channel 14 bconnects the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 b and the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 b. The collection channel 12 a connects the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 a and the liquid discharge head 8 a. The collection channel12 b connects the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 b and the liquiddischarge head 8 b. The supply channel 13 a connects thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3 a and the liquid discharge head 8 a. Thesupply channel 13 b connects the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 b and theliquid discharge head 8 b.

The liquid supply device 300 illustrated in FIG. 17 further includes afirst negative-pressure air channel 15, a second negative-pressure airchannel 17, a first positive-pressure air channel 16, and a secondpositive-pressure air channel 18. The first negative-pressure airchannel 15 connects the negative-pressure air tank 9 to thenegative-pressure sub-tanks 2 a and 2 b. The second negative-pressureair channel 17 is communicated with the negative-pressure air tank 9 andconnected to the decompression air pump 7. The first positive-pressureair channel 16 connects the positive-pressure air tank 10 to thepositive-pressure sub-tanks 3 a and 3 b. The second positive-pressureair channel 18 is communicated with the positive-pressure air tank 10and connected to the pressurizing air pump 6.

As described above, even in a configuration in which the liquid supplydevice 300 includes a plurality of sub-tanks, connecting the air tanksto the sub-tanks can increase the air volume in each sub-tank.

Example 24

FIG. 18 illustrates a liquid supply device according to a variation ofthe ninth embodiment.

In the liquid supply device 300 of Example 23 described above, the maintank 1 is connected to the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 a and thenegative-pressure sub-tank 2 b. However, in the liquid supply device 300of the present example illustrated in FIG. 18, the main tank 1 isconnected to the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 a and thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3 b.

In the liquid supply device 300 illustrated in FIG. 18, the firstsub-tank and the fourth sub-tank are the negative-pressure sub-tanks 2(2 a and 2 b) to collect liquid from the liquid discharge heads S (8 aand 8 b). The second sub-tank and the third sub-tank are thepositive-pressure sub-tanks 3 (3 a and 3 b) to supply liquid to theliquid discharge heads 8 (8 a and 8 b). The negative-pressure air tank 9is connected to the first sub-tank and the fourth sub-tank. Thepositive-pressure air tank 10 is connected to the second sub-tank andthe third sub-tank.

Other configurations are the same as in Example 23.

Example 25

FIG. 19 illustrates the liquid supply device according to anothervariation of the ninth embodiment.

In the liquid supply device 300 of Example 23 described above, the maintank 1 is connected to the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 a and thenegative-pressure sub-tank 2 b. However, in the liquid supply device 300of the present example illustrated in FIG. 19, the main tank 1 isconnected to the positive-pressure sub-tanks 3 a and 3 b.

In the liquid supply device 300 illustrated in FIG. 19, the secondsub-tank and the fourth sub-tank are the negative-pressure sub-tanks 2(2 a and 2 b) to collect liquid from the liquid discharge heads 8 (8 aand 8 b). The first sub-tank and the third sub-tank are thepositive-pressure sub-tanks 3 (3 a and 3 b) to supply liquid to theliquid discharge heads 8 (8 a and 8 b). The negative-pressure air tank 9is connected to the second sub-tank and the fourth sub-tank. Thepositive-pressure air tank 10 is connected to the first sub-tank and thethird sub-tank.

Other configurations are the same as in Example 23.

Example 26

FIG. 20 illustrates the liquid supply device according to anothervariation of the ninth embodiment.

In the liquid supply device 300 of Example 23 described above, the maintank 1 is connected to the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 a and thenegative-pressure sub-rank 2 b. However, in the liquid supply device 300of the present example illustrated in FIG. 20, the main tank 1 isconnected to the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 a and thenegative-pressure sub-tank 2 b.

In the liquid supply device 300 illustrated in FIG. 20, the secondsub-tank and the third sub-tank are the negative-pressure sub-tanks 2 (2a and 2 b) to collect liquid from the liquid discharge heads 8 (8 a and8 b). The first sub-tank and the fourth sub-tank are thepositive-pressure sub-tanks 3 (3 a and 3 b) to supply liquid to theliquid discharge heads 8 (8 a and 8 b). The negative-pressure air tank 9is connected to the second sub-tank and the third sub-tank. Thepositive-pressure air tank 10 is connected to the first sub-tank and thefourth sub-tank.

Other configurations are the same as in Example 23.

As in the present embodiment (Examples 23 to 26), in the configurationin which the liquid supply device 300 includes a plurality of sub-tanks,a negative-pressure sub-tank(s) and a positive-pressure sub-tank(s) canbe appropriately connected to increase the air volume in each sub-tank.

The increase in the air volume in each sub-tank can give a large airdamper effect, thus reducing the pulsation width during circulation dueto the driving of the pump and the occurrence of large pressurefluctuation during liquid discharge.

TENTH EMBODIMENT

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present embodimentincludes a plurality of negative-pressure sub-tanks 2, anegative-pressure air tank 9, a plurality of positive-pressure sub-tanks3, a positive-pressure air tank 10, a decompression air pump 7, and apressurizing air pump 6. The plurality of negative-pressure sub-tanks 2are communicated with each other. The negative-pressure air tank 9 isconnected to the plurality of negative-pressure sub-tanks 2. Theplurality of positive-pressure sub-tanks 3 are communicated with eachother. The positive-pressure air tank 10 is connected to the pluralityof positive-pressure sub-tanks 3. The decompression air pump 7 isconnected to the negative-pressure air tank to reduce the pressure ofthe negative-pressure air tank 9. The pressurizing air pump 6 isconnected to the positive-pressure air tank 10 to pressurize thepositive-pressure air tank 10.

The liquid supply device 300 according to the present embodiment furtherincludes an additional negative-pressure air tank and an additionalpositive-pressure air tank.

Example 27

FIG. 21 illustrates an example of the liquid supply device according tothe tenth embodiment.

The liquid supply device 300 illustrated in FIG. 21 includes anadditional negative-pressure air tank 9 b and an additionalpositive-pressure air tank 10 b. The additional negative-pressure airtank 9 b is connected between the negative-pressure air tank 9 a and thenegative-pressure sub-tanks 2 (2 a and 2 b). The additionalpositive-pressure air tank 10 b is connected between thepositive-pressure air tank 10 a and the positive-pressure sub-tanks 3 (3a and 3 b).

Other configurations may be the same as in Example 23.

A method of connecting the plurality of sub-tanks and the plurality ofair tanks may be either serial or parallel, and can be appropriatelyselected according to the required volume and design restrictions. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the liquid supply device 300 mayinclude a plurality of positive-pressure sub-tanks 3 (3 a and 3 b)communicating in parallel, a plurality of positive-pressure air tanks 10(10 a and 10 b) communicating in series and connected to the pluralityof positive-pressure sub-tanks 3 (3 a and 3 b), a plurality ofnegative-pressure sub-tanks 2 (2 a and 2 b) communicating in parallel,and a plurality of negative-pressure air tanks 9 (9 a and 9 b)communicating in series and connected to the plurality ofnegative-pressure sub-tanks 2 (2 a, 2 b).

Connecting, the plurality or air tanks in series is preferable from theviewpoint of miniaturization since the number and length of channelsneeded for connection to the sub-tanks can be reduced.

The liquid supply device 300 illustrated in FIG. 21 also includes acirculation channel 14 a, a circulation channel 14 b, a liquidcirculation pump 5 a, a liquid circulation pump 5 b, a collectionchannel 12 a, a collection channel 12 b, a supply channel 13 a, and asupply channel 13 b. The circulation channel 14 a connects thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3 a and the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 a.The circulation channel 14 b connects the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 band the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 b. The liquid circulation pump 5 adelivers liquid from the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 a to thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3 a. The liquid circulation pump 5 b deliversliquid from the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 b to the positive-pressuresub-tank 3 b. The collection channel 12 a connects the negative-pressuresub-tank 2 a and the liquid discharge head 8 a. The collection channel12 b connects the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 b and the liquiddischarge head 8 b. The supply channel 13 a connects thepositive-pressure sub-tank 3 a and the liquid discharge head 8 a. Thesupply channel 13 b connects the positive-pressure sub-tank 3 b and theliquid discharge head 8 b.

The liquid supply device illustrated in FIG. 21 includes a firstnegative-pressure air channel 15, a decompression air pump 7, a secondnegative-pressure air channel 17, a third negative-pressure air channel19, a first positive-pressure air channel 16, a pressurizing air pump 6,a second positive-pressure air channel 18, and a third positive-pressureair channel 20. The first negative-pressure air channel 15 connects thenegative-pressure air tank 9 a to the negative-pressure sub-tank 2 a and2 b. The decompression air pump 7 reduces the pressure of thenegative-pressure air tanks 9 a and Pb. The second negative-pressure airchannel 17 is communicated with the negative-pressure air tank 9 b andconnected to the decompression air pump 7. The third negative-pressureair channel 19 connects between the negative-pressure air tanks 9 a and9 b. The first positive-pressure air channel 16 connects thepositive-pressure air tank 10 b to the positive-pressure sub-tanks 3 aand 3 b. The positive-pressure air pump 6 pressurizes thepositive-pressure air tank 10. The second positive-pressure air channel18 is communicated with the positive-pressure air tank 10 and connectedto the pressurizing air pump 6. The third positive-pressure air channel20 connects between the positive-pressure air tanks 10 a and 10 b.

As described above, in the configuration including the plurality ofsub-tanks, connecting the plurality of air tanks to the plurality ofsub-tanks can significantly increase the air volume in each sub-tank.Accordingly, a large air damper effect can be obtained, thus allowingreductions in the pulsation width during circulation due to the drivingof the pump and the occurrence of large pressure fluctuations duringliquid discharge. Accordingly, the occurrence of a discharge failure ofthe liquid discharge head can be prevented, thus preventing a decreasein image quality when the liquid discharge head is mounted on an imageforming apparatus or liquid discharge apparatus.

In the present specification, the “liquid discharge apparatus” is anapparatus including a liquid discharge head or a liquid discharge unitthat drives the liquid discharge head to discharge liquid. In additionto the above-described examples, examples of the liquid dischargeapparatus include not only an apparatus capable of discharging liquid toa material to which the liquid may adhere but also a liquid dischargeapparatus that discharges liquid toward gas or into liquid.

The “liquid discharge apparatus” may include a means relating tofeeding, conveyance, and sheet ejection of the material to which theliquid may adhere and also include a pre-treatment apparatus and apost-processing apparatus.

The liquid discharge apparatus may be, for example, an image formingapparatus to form an image on a sheet by discharging ink, or athree-dimensional fabricating apparatus (solid-object fabricatingapparatus) to discharge a fabrication liquid to a powder layer in whichpowder material is formed in layers, so as to form a three-dimensionalfabrication object (solid fabrication object).

In addition, the liquid discharge apparatus is not limited to anapparatus that discharges liquid to produce meaningful visible imagessuch as texts and figures. For example, the liquid discharge apparatusmay he an apparatus to form arbitrary images, such as arbitrarypatterns, or fabricate three-dimensional images.

The above-described term “material on which liquid can be adhered”represents a material on which liquid is at least temporarily adhered, amaterial on which liquid is adhered and fixed, or a material into whichliquid is adhered to permeate. Examples of the “material on which liquidcan be adhered” include recording media such as a paper sheet, recordingpaper, and a recording sheet of paper, film, and cloth, electroniccomponents such as an electronic substrate and a piezoelectric element,and media such as a powder layer, an organ model, and a testing cell.The “material on which liquid can be adhered” includes any material onwhich liquid adheres unless particularly limited.

Examples of the “material on which liquid can be adhered” include anymaterials on which liquid can be adhered even temporarily, such aspaper, thread, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, andceramic.

The “liquid” is not limited in particular as long as this has viscosityand surface tension such that this may be discharged from the head, butthe viscosity is preferably 30 mPa·s or less at room temperature under anormal pressure, or by heating and cooling. More specifically, theliquid to be discharged is a solution, a suspension liquid, an emulsion,or the like containing a solvent such as water or an organic solvent, acolorant such as a dye or a pigment, a function-imparting material suchas a polymerizable compound, a resin, or a surfactant, a biocompatiblematerial such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), amino acid, protein, orcalcium, or an edible material such as a natural pigment, which can beused, for example, for an inkjet ink, a surface treatment liquid, aliquid for forming a constituent element of an electronic element or alight emitting element or an electronic circuit resist pattern, athree-dimensional modeling material liquid, or the like.

The “liquid discharge apparatus” includes an apparatus in which theliquid discharge head and the material to which the liquid may adheremove relative to each other; however, this is not limited to such anapparatus. Specific examples include a serial type apparatus which movesthe liquid discharge head, and a line type apparatus which does not movethe liquid discharge head.

The “liquid discharge apparatus” also includes a processing liquidapplying apparatus which discharges a processing liquid onto paper forapplying the processing liquid to the surface of the paper for thepurpose of modifying the surface of the paper, an injection granulatingapparatus which injects a composition liquid obtained by dispersing rowmaterials in solution through a nozzle to granulate raw material fineparticles.

Numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in lightof the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, withinthe scope of the above teachings, the present disclosure may bepracticed otherwise than as specifically described herein. With someembodiments having thus been described, it will be obvious that the samemay be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims,and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scopeof the present disclosure and appended claims.

1.-29. (canceled)
 30. A liquid supply device comprising: a liquiddischarge head configured to discharge liquid; a main tank configured tostore liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head; a firstsub-tank configured to store gas and liquid and connected to the maintank and the liquid discharge head; a second sub-tank configured tostore gas and liquid and connected to the first sub-tank and the liquiddischarge head; a first air tank configured to store gas and connectedto the first sub-tank; and a second air tank configured to store gas andconnected to the second sub-tank.
 31. The liquid supply device accordingto claim 30, wherein the first sub-tank is a negative-pressure sub-tankconfigured to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head, and thesecond sub-tank is a positive-pressure sub-tank configured to supplyliquid to the liquid discharge head; and wherein the first air tank is anegative-pressure air tank configured to supply a negative air pressure,and the second air tank is a positive-pressure air tank configured tosupply a positive air pressure.
 32. The liquid supply device accordingto claim 30, wherein the first sub-tank is a positive-pressure sub-tankconfigured to supply liquid to the liquid discharge head, and the secondsub-tank is a negative-pressure sub-tank configured to collect liquidfrom the liquid discharge head; and wherein the first air tank is apositive-pressure air tank configured to supply a positive air pressure,and the second air tank is a negative-pressure air tank configured tosupply a negative air pressure.
 33. The liquid supply device accordingto claim 30, further comprising: a first liquid supply pump connectedbetween the main tank and the first sub-tank to supply liquid from themain tank to the first sub-tank; and a second liquid supply pumpconnected to the first sub-tank and the second sub-tank to supply liquidfrom the first sub-tank to the second sub-tank.
 34. The liquid supplydevice according to claim 30, wherein one of the first air tank and thesecond air tank is a negative-pressure air tank configured to supply anegative air pressure, and the other of the first air tank and thesecond air tank is a positive-pressure air tank configured to supply apositive air pressure; and wherein the liquid supply device furtherincludes: a decompression air pump connected to the negative-pressureair tank to reduce pressure of the negative-pressure air tank; and apressurizing air pump connected to the positive-pressure air tank topressurize the positive-pressure air tank.
 35. The liquid supply deviceaccording to claim 30, wherein a volume of each of the first air tankand the second air tank is 50 mL or greater.
 36. A liquid supply devicecomprising: a first liquid discharge head configured to dischargeliquid; a second liquid discharge head configured to discharge liquid; amain tank configured to store liquid to be supplied to the first liquiddischarge head and the second liquid discharge head; a first sub-tankconfigured to store gas and liquid and connected to the main tank andthe first liquid discharge head; a second sub-tank configured to storegas and liquid and connected to the first sub-tank and the first liquiddischarge head; a third sub-tank configured to store gas and liquid andconnected to the main tank and the second liquid discharge head; afourth sub-tank configured to store gas and liquid and connected to thethird sub-tank and the second liquid discharge head; a negative-pressureair tank configured to store gas and supply a negative air pressure; anda positive-pressure air tank configured to store gas and supply apositive air pressure.
 37. The liquid supply device according to claim36, wherein the first sub-tank and the third sub-tank arenegative-pressure sub-tanks configured to collect liquid from the firstliquid discharge head and the second liquid discharge head, and thesecond sub-tank and the fourth sub-tank are positive-pressure sub-tanksconfigured to supply liquid to the first liquid discharge head and thesecond liquid discharge head; and wherein the negative-pressure air tankis connected to the first sub-tank and the third sub-tank, and thepositive-pressure air tank is connected to the second sub-tank and thefourth sub-tank.
 38. The liquid supply device according to claim 36,wherein the first sub-tank and the fourth sub-tank are negative-pressuresub-tanks configured to collect liquid from the first liquid dischargehead and the second liquid discharge head, and the second sub-tank andthe third sub-tank are positive-pressure sub-tanks configured to supplyliquid to the first liquid discharge head and the second liquiddischarge head; and wherein the negative-pressure air tank is connectedto the first sub-tank and the fourth sub-tank, and the positive-pressureair tank is connected to the second sub-tank and the third sub-tank. 39.The liquid supply device according to claim 36, wherein the secondsub-tank and the fourth sub-tank are negative-pressure sub-tanksconfigured to collect liquid from the first liquid discharge head andthe second liquid discharge head, and the first sub-tank and the thirdsub-tank are positive-pressure sub-tanks configured to supply liquid tothe first liquid discharge head and the second liquid discharge head;and wherein the negative-pressure air tank is connected to the secondsub-tank and the fourth sub-tank, and the positive-pressure air tank isconnected to the first sub-tank and the third sub-tank.
 40. The liquidsupply device according to claim 36, wherein the second sub-tank and thethird sub-tank are negative-pressure sub-tanks configured to collectliquid from the first liquid discharge head and the second liquiddischarge head, and the first sub-tank and the fourth sub-tank arepositive-pressure sub-tanks configured to supply liquid to the firstliquid discharge head and the second liquid discharge head; and whereinthe negative-pressure air tank is connected to the second sub-tank andthe third sub-tank, and the positive-pressure air tank is connected tothe first sub-tank and the fourth sub-tank.
 41. The liquid supply deviceaccording to claim 37, further comprising: a first liquid supply pumpconnected between the main tank and one negative-pressure sub-tank ofthe negative-pressure sub-tanks to supply liquid from the main tank tothe one negative-pressure sub-tank; a second liquid supply pumpconnected between the main tank and another negative-pressure sub-tankof the negative-pressure sub-tanks to supply liquid from the main tankto said another negative-pressure sub-tank; a third liquid supply pumpconnected between the one negative-pressure sub-tank and onepositive-pressure sub-tank of the positive-pressure sub-tanks to supplyliquid from the one negative-pressure sub-tank to the onepositive-pressure sub-tank; and a fourth liquid supply pump connectedbetween said another negative-pressure sub-tank and anotherpositive-pressure sub-tank of the positive-pressure sub-tanks to supplyliquid from said another negative-pressure sub-tank to said anotherpositive-pressure sub-tank.
 42. The liquid supply device according toclaim 36, further comprising: a first liquid supply pump connectedbetween the main tank and the first sub-tank to supply liquid from themain tank to the first sub-tank; a second liquid supply pump connectedbetween the main tank and the third sub-tank to supply liquid from themain tank to the third sub-tank; a third liquid supply pump connectedbetween the first sub-tank and the second sub-tank to supply liquid fromthe first sub-tank to the second sub-tank; and a fourth liquid supplypump connected between the third sub-tank and the fourth sub-tank tosupply liquid from the third sub-tank to the fourth sub-tank.
 43. Theliquid supply device according to claim 36, further comprising: adecompression air pump connected to the negative-pressure air tank toreduce pressure of the negative-pressure air tank; and a pressurizingair pump connected to the positive-pressure air tank to pressurize thepositive-pressure air tank.
 44. The liquid supply device according toclaim 37, further comprising: an additional negative-pressure air tankconnected between the negative-pressure air tank and thenegative-pressure sub-tanks; and an additional positive-pressure airtank connected between the positive-pressure air tank and thepositive-pressure sub-tanks.